7 independent reviews for Lionfish spearing marine conservation in Belize
Reviews for Lionfish spearing marine conservation in Belize
Paulina Mashnik-Myung review 19 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The entire trip was unforgettable. I got certified as an Open Water Diver on the island and even got to do 2 lionfish dives, all in a span of 5 days. This was my first time scuba diving and I was a bit intimidated, particularly because the first dives were not in a pool with perfect visibility, and also because I am in my mid-forties, which is significantly older than most lionfish trip participants. The instructors took very good care of me, took extra time when I was falling behind, made me feel relaxed and comfortable and made the entire experience enjoyable and safe. What's more, the trip felt like one big family camping together - everyone was very friendly and supportive, not just in the water but also during downtime. The instructors were both very knowledgeable about the reefs and extremely responsible toward their students, constantly keeping track of all divers and making sure no one was running low on oxygen or having any trouble. They also watched for any sharks or other danger and acted quickly and calmly. I felt very well taken care of. The food was excellent and the cooks accommodated my food allergies perfectly, thank you! This was a wonderful vacation that I will always keep in my memory.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be a confident swimmer and know what you are getting yourself into. We had 3 dives and 2 presentations per day, so this was a very active vacation, which at times felt like bootcamp. If you are getting open water certified here, set your expectations about lionfish correctly - you'll have some opportunities toward the end to do spearfishing but most of your time on the island during the first week will be spent on getting certified.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, this holiday directly benefited Belize, which is negatively impacted by lionfish and ocean pollution.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A great vacation that has brought a new love of scuba into my life. Thank you for making me feel so comfortable and welcome. I had a lot of fun!Yvonne McCall review 6 Apr 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Watching my husband and son spear lionfish while scuba diving2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The food was wonderful! The water was warm and we did not need a wetsuit.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Mind-blowing how many lionfish are in one area of a reef and how many we speared as a group in one week.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Beautiful people from all around the world coming together for a common goal.Simon House review 26 Dec 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Encounters with turtles and eagle rays2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Bring a dive computer and a great place to upgrade your dive qualifications3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Very good, very well organised and interestingRyan Small review 14 Feb 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Staying on the island in the middle of nowhere was cool. Staff were pleasant and good banter back and forth...they had a sense of humour.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Accommodations were definitely hostel like. The beds were crap and they really need to invest in new beds. Also if they didn't feed you enough you were able to ask for more which they always had extra.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I brought my own spear and zookeeper...I was the only one so I always had my spear to slay Lionfish. There were not a ton of them and some sights had more than others. Wish they would take us to sites that they had not been too and could explore areas where more Lionfish could be speared.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
If they fixed the bedding situation that would make this experience a 5 for me.Charles Vaughan review 5 Mar 2021
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most exciting aspect was escaping from reality and living on this beautiful island with no wifi. I would start my day with a dive at 7am! I was fortunate to have a very good group of fellow volunteers. Along with them, the staff were all amazing and very enjoyable to be around. Finally unlike as described on the website the diet was not mainly 'plant-based'. There was a wide variety of meat and fish, cooked by a very talented chef who takes a lot of pride and care in their work. There was always plenty of food and so I was well fuelled to dive.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you plan to take multiple courses (which I suggest as they are very cheap there and the quality of learning is high) then don't do all the e-learning. This is expensive and unnecessary, you can a read the book which they have on the weekends off. I would say this is most applicable to courses such as Advanced, Reduce diver and Deep Dive as with courses such as Open water and Divemaster it is useful to do the e-learning before you arrive.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I feel it benefits the local people by employing them as divemasters. The beach clean up was a real eye opener to reality of how much plastic is in the ocean. Finally, I felt we were making a good impact to reducing lion fish, which in itself was very enjoyable.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This is one of the best holidays I have ever been on. The island is very well organised, there is no pressure to go diving and you can relax at times instead. The staff are all very knowledgeable with regards to diving and the local area. If time allowed I would certainly return in the future.Lynda Hughes review 20 May 2018
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Feeling that you are contributing to the sea environment. Waking up to the beautiful sunrise and seeing the lovely sunset. Living on a tiny island for a short time.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take minimal clothing. I had too much stuff. Diving is simple so little experience needed. Organisation is a bit haphazard so be aware that you work to Belize time and just relax. The manager Frank brought his three dogs (Two large and one pup) on to the very small island, so not a place if you are not a lover of boisterous, barking dogs.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The research underaken e.g. identifying fish or bleaching effect is probably not very scientific and is a bit hit and miss but I felt I was helping to contribute more information on the health of the reef. After seeing how many lionfish there are and their destructive effect, I was pleased to help reduce their impact. They are also very tasty.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I really enjoyed the overall experience. I learned so much from the guides about fish, coral and the reef in their lectures and in the research. Thank you to Willie, and his team.Ulrike Kachel review 30 Aug 2014
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Hard to choose just one most memorable or exciting part, but if I have to choose, then it was snorkelling with the whale sharks. That was just amazing and we were so lucky to see them that close!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
One week is definitely not enough. I stayed two weeks and wish I could have stayed longer. Don't worry about finding accommodation prior/post the island stay or wandering what to do over the weekends, Jo at the operator is one of the most helpful persons I have ever met. Thanks again Jo for all your help!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, the project gives jobs to local people and provides important information for the fishery department. And of course helps with reducing the numbers of lionfish and raising awareness for marine conservation.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The best diving holiday I did so far and it will be hard to beat. I learned so much about fish identification and substrates and this makes diving much more enjoyable.Holiday Reviews
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